SINGAPORE, 29 June 2024 – About 30 participants took part in the ‘Everesting for Second Chances’ (Everesting) 24-hour indoor physical Everesting event today in support of ex-offenders. Guest-of-Honour, Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth of Singapore also participated in the cycle. Organised by HCSA Community Services (HCSA) and supported by Yellow Ribbon Singapore, Singapore Cycling Federation and National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, the campaign aims to raise awareness on the social challenges of the reintegration of ex-offenders among the community. Everesting challenges participants to cycle an elevation gain of 8,848m – equivalent to the height of Mount Everest. Participants have until 31 July to complete the same challenge, whether in a single ride or across multiple rides. This year, HCSA also organised its first family carnival – in partnership with Families for Life and in support of the National Family Festival 2024 – to celebrate the spirit of second chances and to highlight the importance of families in the successful reintegration of ex-offenders.
2 “The sheer determination and perseverance displayed by the participants are admirable qualities of many ex-offenders here today. This is not an easy journey to be on, but they never give up hope. Every pedal stroke and every ounce of effort contribute to the overall outcome. But they cannot do it alone. We are grateful for the incredible turnout and support from the families and cycling community. Family and community support are vital as they navigate these challenges towards change,” said Mrs Kim Lang Khalil, Chief Executive Officer, HCSA Community Services.
3 This year, HCSA organised a family carnival at the event for the first time, transforming the football field into a hub of fun and festivity. With food stalls, engaging games, bouncy inflatables, and a flea market, the carnival brought people together in a celebration of community spirit. The carnival, co-hosted by Jade Seah and featuring guest speaker SimonBoy, fostered a sense of camaraderie and support for ex-offenders, their families and the Everesting participants. The event and carnival beautifully illustrated the journey of ex-offenders becoming active and valued members of society. Many ex-offenders not only took on the Everesting challenge but also stepped up to volunteer, raise funds at the flea market and even took part in the stage performances.
4 So far, the challenge, which has a fundraising goal of $500,000, has raised close to $150,000 through individual and team registrations, the carnival and donations. With one more month to go, there is still an exciting opportunity to contribute and help reach the goal. The proceeds from the challenge will go to HCSA Highpoint and HCSA Academy. Highpoint provides a safe and substance-free shelter for homeless male ex-offenders to restart their lives and sustained social support to renew their purpose within the community, and the Academy offers ex-offenders a new lease of life and a level playing field to support themselves and their families.
5 Phang Chew Fei, an Everesting participant, completed the challenge for the first time in under 24 hours alongside an all-female team. She said, “It pushed me to my physical limits, but these physical struggles pale in comparison to the lifelong challenges ex-offenders face. Through this experience, I learnt the invaluable lesson of the importance of community, family, and friends. Just as I relied on my support system to complete the Everesting challenge, ex-offenders need a strong support network to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Ex-offenders have already served their sentences. We must offer them forgiveness, acceptance, and support to help them lead meaningful lives.”
6 The ongoing Everesting fundraising challenge will end on 31 July 2024. Participants can tailor their experience to their fitness levels to complete the full distance in a single ride – such as the participants today – or through multiple rides. To get started, participants simply need to use the STRAVA app, a GPS-enabled physical exercise tracking application. For more information, please visit www.secondchances.sg. Those who are not participating in Everesting can donate to the fundraising campaign at https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/everesting-for-second-chances.
About HCSA Community Services
HCSA Community Services is a charitable organisation with Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status and a member of the National Council of Social Service. The organisation was launched in 1996 as a halfway house for recovering drug addicts and ex-offenders. Today, their work has expanded to include teenage girls who have suffered complex trauma from abuse, and single parents with limited support and other at-risk groups in the community. HCSA operates with a team of dedicated staff, volunteer teams, corporate and community partners, as they continue to serve the vulnerable in society, to give them a future and a hope. HCSA’s mission is to empower these vulnerable populations through their signature programmes. Find out more at www.hcsa.org.sg.